Dhaka – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban on Sunday evening and apprised him about the country’s overall situation.During the meeting that began at 6.25pm and ended 7.33 pm, the premier enquired about the health condition of the President as he returned home on December 6 after a medical checkup from Singapore, President’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told reporters after the meeting.
He said the President and the Prime Minister discussed Hamid’s Monday’s South Africa visit to show last respect to the memories of legendary leader Nelson Mandela on behalf of himself and the people of Bangladesh.
Many heads of state and the government are scheduled to go to South Africa to pay their last respects to the towering figure.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Syed Ashraful Islam during the meeting.
Earlier, the President received the Prime Minister with a bouquet as she along with Ashraf reached the presidential place around 6:22pm.
Secretaries and high officials of both the President and Prime Minister’s offices were present.
The meeting was held at a time when UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernández Taranco is in the city and holding a series of meetings with political parties and the Election Commission to help Bangladesh find a solution to the ongoing political crisis over the 10th parliamentary elections.
Meanwhile, Taranco had separate meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, opposition leader Khaleda Zia, Jatiya Party chairman HM Ershad and the Election Commission and elaborately discussed how an inclusive election could be held.
The UN special envoy is likely to meet the Prime Minister and the opposition leader again.
The Prime Minister is believed to have discussed with the President the current political situation, outcomes of her discussions with the UN envoy and the January-5 election.
Earlier, opposition leader Khaleda Zia and six noted citizens, including Dr Kamal and Akbar Ali Khand, met the President and sought his initiative for holding a free and fair election with the participation of all parties by breaking the political deadlock. – UNB
